How Plano Family Caregivers Manage Stress

While it’s rewarding and meaningful, being a family caregiver can feel like a full-time job. Many family caregivers we’ve talked to mentioned that they feel burnt out or exhausted on a regular basis. On top of that, two out of three family caregivers struggle to find resources and support.

But support does exist—you just need to know where to look. Luckily, there is a wide range of resources right here in Plano to help family caregivers take care of themselves. Here are some of our favorites.

How Family Caregivers Can Manage Stress in Plano

There are many resources to help you manage stress in and around Plano. Even better, many of them are free or discounted for seniors, so your loved one can easily make use of them as well.

Try Breathing Exercises

Not sure where to start with stress management? Try breathing exercises, quick, easy ways to relax your body and mind that you can do anywhere.

Our favorite all-purpose breathing exercise is called 4-7-8 breathing. It can help you release many forms of stress and anxiety in just a few minutes. Here’s how it works:

1. Sit up and straighten your back. Alternatively, lie down on the floor. Putting your knees up can help if it’s comfortable.
2. Breathe in slowly through your nose and count to four. 
3. Hold your breath and count to seven.
4. Exhale through your mouth and count to eight. Make this breath forceful and audible—you should be completely out of air when you’re done.
5. Repeat 3-5 times. 

For deeper relaxation, sign up for a class at Honor Yoga. They teach yoga and meditation for all levels and ages, so you’re sure to find a practice that fits your needs.

Get Outdoors

Simply stepping outside can make a real difference for stress. In fact, science links time spent in nature to better mental health. And the more you do it, the better it works.

For an easy way to get out into nature, head over to the Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, right here in Plano. This 200-acre park boasts almost nine miles of walking and biking trails that weave through forests, ponds and open fields. It even has an observation tower that offers a spectacular view of Dallas.

If your loved one is an explorer of the natural world, Texas is the perfect place for them. The Texas Parklands Passport gives seniors over 65 a 50% discount on access to state parks, as well as free access for veterans.

Spend Time Exercising

Exercise is one of the best tools for managing stress. Beyond the fitness benefits, it also improves our sleep, mood, cognitive abilities, physical health and more. 

There’s nowhere better in Plano to get the blood flowing than Equinox, which boasts top-notch facilities for strength training, cardio, swimming and more. They’ve also got a variety of group classes like spin, hot yoga and Pilates.

Feed Your Muse

Psychologists use art therapy to help people process difficult emotions and mitigate stress, so follow the experts and let your creativity run wild. Try a paint-and-sip class at Painting With a Twist, where a professional artist will show you how to paint a landscape, a still life or even your pet. If you want to make something truly wild, try one of their Neon Nights: a painting class entirely under blacklight.

Make Time for Community

Being a family caregiver isn’t easy, and sometimes you just need to blow off some steam, have some fun and connect with your local community. Luckily, Local Good Coffee Co. is a great place for all three.

Local Good Coffee Co. isn’t just about beans, brews and pastries—it’s a true space for community. Each week, they host a variety of events and activities like painting classes, open mics, live performances and drop-in choir. They’ve even got courts out back where you can play pickleball, basketball or volleyball with a friend.

Reach Out for Support

When caregiving gets hard, it can help to talk it over with people who know what you’re going through. That’s why The Wellness Center for Older Adults in Plano hosts counseling and support groups on a variety of topics for both seniors and caregivers. They can also connect you with resources like estate attorneys and social workers to help you and your loved one navigate difficult choices. 

Get Help From A Caregiver

Family caregiving is rewarding, but it’s not easy. However, with the resources and community support available in Plano, you don’t have to do it alone.

If you need some help caring for your loved one, FirstLight Home Care of Plano is here for you. From temporary respite care to ongoing assistance like companion care, we can make every day their best day while giving you peace of mind.

Ready to learn more about your care options in Plano? Don’t hesitate to contact us.